Friday, 2 April 2010

Another EDL Supporter Jailed for Racially Aggravated Assault

A teenager found guilty of carrying out a racially aggravated assault when a mob went on a town centre rampage has been jailed for 16 months.

Kier McElroy, of Langford Drive, Luton, attacked an Asian man in a shop doorway in Chapel Street on May 24, 2009.

McElroy, 19, hit the man across the head with a placard he was holding.

On March 5 a jury at Luton Crown Court, decided McElroy was guilty of racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a Luton student.

He had earlier admitted assaulting the student, occasioning him actual bodily harm and a second charge of affray, which resulted from his actions that day.

CCTV images of McElroy taking part in the rampage Speaking after the sentencing on Friday, Detective Sergeant Maz Wheeler said: “Officers from Bedfordshire Police painstakingly reviewed CCTV of this incident to ensure all evidence was put before the court and this successful prosecution was achieved.

“I hope the sentence given today serves as a lesson to anyone who gets involved in violent crime within our town.

“Any kind of violent or hate crime within our town simply is not acceptable and Bedfordshire Police will always pursue those who engage in such behaviour and bring them before the courts.”